Principal Mechanical Engineer - Pipe Stress in Manchester

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Pipe Stress in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Computer Futures

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct stress analysis and design piping systems for a major nuclear decommissioning programme.
  • Company: Leading engineering organisation focused on safety and compliance in nuclear projects.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
  • Other info: 12-month contract with opportunities for career growth and collaboration across disciplines.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to innovative solutions in a highly regulated environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in piping stress engineering and proficiency in industry-standard software.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

A leading engineering organisation is seeking an experienced Piping Stress Engineer to support a major nuclear civil decommissioning programme. This role is central to ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient piping system design within a highly regulated environment. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with multidiscipline engineering teams, providing technical expertise across stress analysis, flexibility assessment, support design, and compliance verification.

Key Responsibilities

  • Stress & Flexibility Analysis
    • Identify stress-critical lines through detailed review of P&IDs and line lists.
    • Perform piping stress analysis using recognised industry software (e.g., CAESAR II / AutoPIPE).
    • Evaluate nozzle loads, support loading, thermal expansion, vibration issues, and system flexibility.
    • Conduct static and dynamic analyses, ensuring systems meet functional, safety, and engineering design requirements.
  • Design & Technical Review
    • Review and validate piping designs, GA drawings, and engineering deliverables.
    • Assess and sign off piping isometrics, ensuring flexibility, routing, and support requirements are met.
    • Provide input into the design of pipe supports, integrating stress requirements and project specifications.
    • Review 3D models for compliance, constructability, clash management, and adherence to stress reports and codes.
  • Documentation & Compliance
    • Produce, check, and maintain detailed documentation including: Stress reports, Calculations, Engineering specifications, Technical assessments and design justifications.
    • Ensure all deliverables comply with applicable nuclear standards, codes (ASME, BS/EN), safety requirements, and project procedures.
    • Support internal and external reviews, audits, and technical queries.
  • Collaboration & Project Delivery
    • Work closely with piping, mechanical, civil, process, and safety engineering teams.
    • Support project planning, change control, and design risk assessments.
    • Engage with stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and construction teams, ensuring a clear understanding of stress engineering requirements.

Required Experience

  • Proven experience as a Piping Stress Engineer within nuclear, petrochemical, energy, or similar highly regulated sectors.
  • Strong understanding of piping design principles, flexibility analysis, and piping system behaviour under operational loads.
  • Proficient in industry-standard stress analysis tools.
  • Solid working knowledge of ASME B31, EN codes, and nuclear QA processes.
  • Experience reviewing and approving design documentation, isometrics, and 3D models.
  • Ability to work accurately under pressure, with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Desirable Skills

  • Prior experience on nuclear decommissioning or nuclear new-build projects.
  • Familiarity with digital model review systems (E3D, PDMS, SP3D, Navisworks).
  • Understanding of seismic analysis, vibration mitigation, and dynamic loading scenarios.
  • Chartered or working toward chartered status (CEng).

Additional Information

  • Location: Warrington
  • Contract Duration: 12 months
  • Engagement: Inside IR35
  • Security: Ability to obtain BPSS

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Pipe Stress in Manchester employer: Computer Futures

Join a leading engineering organisation that prioritises safety and compliance in the nuclear sector, offering a collaborative work culture where your expertise as a Principal Mechanical Engineer - Pipe Stress will be valued. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous professional development opportunities while working in Warrington, a location known for its vibrant community and strong industry connections. Enjoy the benefits of working within a highly regulated environment that fosters innovation and teamwork, ensuring your contributions make a meaningful impact.

Computer Futures

Contact Details:

Computer Futures Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer - Pipe Stress in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in nuclear or similar sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile showcases your skills in piping stress analysis and compliance verification. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to get noticed by recruiters looking for someone just like you.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with industry-standard software like CAESAR II or AutoPIPE, and how you've tackled challenges in past projects.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer - Pipe Stress in Manchester

Piping Stress Analysis
Flexibility Assessment
CAESAR II
AutoPIPE
Nozzle Load Evaluation
Support Loading Analysis
Thermal Expansion Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your experience with piping stress analysis and any relevant software you've used, like CAESAR II or AutoPIPE. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background in nuclear or similar sectors makes you a great fit. Remember, we love seeing enthusiasm and a bit of personality!

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, don't shy away from showcasing your technical skills. Mention specific projects where you've conducted stress and flexibility analysis, and how you've ensured compliance with industry standards. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge clearly.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Computer Futures

Know Your Stress Analysis Tools

Make sure you’re well-versed in industry-standard software like CAESAR II or AutoPIPE. Brush up on how to perform piping stress analysis and be ready to discuss your experience with these tools during the interview.

Understand the Regulations

Familiarise yourself with ASME B31, EN codes, and nuclear QA processes. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge of compliance and safety requirements will show that you’re serious about the role and understand the importance of regulations in this field.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to answer questions about flexibility assessment, support design, and system behaviour under operational loads. Review your past projects and be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Show Your Collaborative Spirit

This role involves working closely with various engineering teams. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past, highlighting your communication skills and ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.